Alloy



Patented June 27, 1933 HERBERT C. ZENNISON, '01 BRIDGWGRT, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNGR TO THE AMERICAIT IBEEASS CQHPANY, (3F WATERBURY, CQNNECTICUT, A CQRPORATEQN F CONNEGT- ALLQY 121a Drawing.

This invention relates to a copper base alloy, particularly an alloy which has good electrical conductivity and improved hot working qualities.

A copper base alloy containing from 0.01% to 0.95% silicon, 1.0% to zinc and 0.01% to 1.0% manganese and balance copper has very desirable properties as it has good tensile strength which is increased when drawn into a wire, being in the neighborhood of 125,000 pounds per square inch, and it has high electrical conductivity being above 16% at 20 C. I have, however, discovered that the addition of small amounts of aluminum to this alloy increases the deoxidation, adds materially to the hot working qualities of the alloy, and increases the hardness and toughness. The amount of aluminum added may be from 0.01% to .45% without greatly decreasing the electrical conductivity. It can be drawn readily in wire drawing dies without tearing them out rapidly, and as it has high strength and conductivity it is well adapted for cables or stranded conductors.

This alloy besides being adapted for hot rolling and drawing into wire can be used to advantage in making cold or hot headed bolts, lJ-bolts and saddles, and washers and nuts for them. It is adapted for making metal wool by drawing into fine wire, the cutting process. or rolling into tinsel, etc. It can also Application filed November 3, 1932. Serial No. 641,042.

be used for welding and welding rods, for autogenous welding and spot welding. It may also be brazed.

It is particularly adapted for extruding, hot forging and hot pressing. However, in addition to its hot working qualities this alloy may be made into wire, rods, tubes, sheets and shapes, and also drawn, stamped or spun into cups and other forms of drawn metal articles. Due to its high conductivity, hardness and toughness it can be used for electrodes in spot welding machines.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, what I claim is:

1. A copper base alloy comprising approximately 0.10% to 0.90% silicon, 1.0% to 10% zinc, 0.10% to 1.0% manganese, 0.10% to 0.40% aluminum, and balance copper.

2. A worked metal article composed of a copper base alloy comprising approximately 0.10% to 0.90% silicon, 1.0% to 10% zinc, 0.10% to 1.0% manganese, 0.10% to 0.40% aluminum, and balance copper.

3. A cold drawn wire composed of a copper base alloy comprising approximately 0.10% to 0.90% silicon, 1.0% to 10% zinc, 0.10% to 1.0% manganese, 0.10% to 0.40% aluminum, and balance copper.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature. so

HERBERT O. J'ENNISON. 

